It wasn’t until my visit to the Russian Evangelical Baptist Church that I realized that language interpreters needed additional training along with other volunteers, especially when we’re striving to bridge the gap between cultures and generations.

And I don’t mean that in a bad way.  Worship leaders and worship team members need just as much training in a multicultural church.

Sermon notes for language interpreters

I remember one of my friends at a bilingual church saying how important it is to have the sermon notes before you.  Now I realize many pastors are working on their sermons late into Saturday night and, in some cases, early Sunday morning.

But just like I like having what scriptures the pastors will be speaking on to prepare the music portion of the service, your volunteer language interpreters need those too.

At the very least it will give them an idea of which passages to look up ahead of time, so they’re not stumbling over their words.

This is what I experienced a little of when I went the Russian church.  He couldn’t keep up with the pastor so, it seemed like he skipped over a bunch of stuff.

I was able to get the main points of sermon, but I had to really concentrate on what the Russian interpreter was saying.

What else do your volunteer language interpreters need?

1. As I mentioned above, the sermon notes would be great to have ahead of time.
2. Any scriptures the pastor will be highlighting would also be great to have.
3. Constant practice and training.
4. Have a bible study for your volunteer language interpreters in both languages.

What is your church doing to train your language interpreters?  What else have you found helpful to do for your volunteers and your congregation?

Share your story and your life…

Sincerely,
Peter Park
Blogger/Worship Leader/Speaker
peterpark@redemptionboulevard.com
(800) 453-3284

Other blogs related to language interpreters:

Using interpreters?
Interpreters aren’t enough

© 2010, Peter Park. All rights reserved.

Related posts:

1. Using interpreters?
2. Interpreters for everyone else?
3. Interpreters aren’t enough